Chapter Six: Desperation
By midday, Elena's body was on fire.
Fever ravaged through her, making the cottage walls blur and spin. Her ankle had swollen to twice its normal size, angry red streaks climbing up her calf. She needed medicine. Ice. Something.
Elena forced herself to stand, using the wall for support, and limped toward the main house. Each step sent white-hot pain shooting through her leg, but desperation pushed her forward.
She knocked weakly on the back door.
Meredith opened it, wrinkled her nose. "What do you want?"
"I need…" Elena's voice was hoarse, "...some pain medication. Just aspirin or…"
"MOTHER!" Meredith shrieked. "The beggar's at the door again!"
Catherine appeared, arms crossed. "I thought I made myself clear. You're not welcome in this house unless you're working."
"Please, I just need some medicine. My ankle…"
"Your ankle is your problem." Catherine's eyes were cold. "You think I'm running a charity? You want medicine, buy it yourself."
